The Cape Winelands District Municipality offered wines and olives to AB7 2011 visitors.

FoodBiz is Big Biz!

BRAND ACTIVITY

Apr 19th 2012, 11:26

Africa’s Big Seven, the biggest and most comprehensive food and beverage trade exhibition in Africa, is just months away. It takes place from 15 to 17 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

FoodBiz Africa is just one of the seven component expos which make up Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). “FoodBiz Africa showcases food, services and equipment for the hospitality industry, and continues to grow in size and popularity,” says John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the massive show. “First brought into the Big Seven line-up in 2008, FoodBiz Africa has grown into an industry favourite; it’s the second most popular show in the AB7 portfolio.”

Aysha Raad, Sales Director of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), says AB7 gets more insightful every year she attends. “Because Africa’s Big Seven is an international show, its offering is very diversified,” says Raad. “However, Foodbiz Africa in particular provides a fantastic networking opportunity for our members to find new suppliers and source new products focused for our industry. Our members benefit hugely from the show; they can find hundreds of new ideas and ways to provide better service to their customers.”

Viviana Serfontein from the Commercial Section of the Argentinean Embassy is a big fan of the AB7 exhibition; “Every year is better and bigger,” she says.

Francisco Matos e Silva, Media and Communications Manager of Angolan drinks company Refriango, is also full of praise for the show. “”The quality of the facilities and the variety of exhibitors is outstanding. We made many valuable contacts from exhibiting at AB7 last year.”

Pieter van Rooyen, General Manager of the Protea Hotel in Bloemfontein, was one of the 8 518 visitors who attended AB7 last year. “I went there to find out more about what new products are available for the hospitality industry, and I found plenty; the show was very good, with great variety.”